Libya: Remarks by HRVP Ashton following a meeting with NTC Chair Abdel-Jalil

Summary: 12 November 2011, Tripoli - Remarks by European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton following the meeting with NTC Chairman Abdel-Jalil, Tripoli

Can I first of all say to Chairman Abdel-Jalil what a great pleasure it is to be here and to be able to congratulate the people of Libya on the liberation of their country.

As you said when we met in Benghazi, we agreed we would meet as soon as we possibly could in Tripoli - and I am delighted that I am here today!

I am delighted too to have opened the first EU Delegation in Libya here in Tripoli. It is an expression of our commitment not just to our relationship today but also to the future of the people of Libya and of this country.

Chairman Jalil, we hope to be here for many many years as your partner and support.

When we met today we had the opportunity to discuss the priorities that you have set for the future:

Like the building, through free and fair elections, of a new democracy

Like dealing with the issues of security and borders that are so important

Like the support for the wounded and those left disabled and help the Europeans are offering

Like the issue of unfreezing the assets

And with the support of the member states of the EU we want to be in the forefront of offering new assistance in achieving that.

We support all those who believe in the values that we hold dear - democracy, human rights, the rule of law. It is for this country to decide the way it chooses to go forward as it moves towards elections. We will be supporting the values that we believe have been part of this revolution and supporting the people who believe in them into the future, whoever they are.

We have teams who are ready to be deployed to be able to offer the support that is needed. We already have on the ground a delegation engaging on a day to day basis with you, with your teams and with the people.

But more than anything this is an opportunity for me to congratulate the people of Libya, to express our continuing support and to wish everyone the best possible success for the future.